An inventory of the contents of Bunratty castle and the will of Henry, fifth Earl of Thomond, 1639

The career of Henry, fifth Earl of Thomond is outlined and the means he employed in providing dowries for his five daughters commented upon. The significance of the Bunratty inventory of 1639 is assessed, particularly the light it sheds on interior furnishings, the extensive collection of silver ware, household organisation and farming practice. A comparison is also made between the households of the earls of Kildare, Cork and Antrim and that of the Earl of Thomond at Bunratty. ;